By Kristin Danley-Greiner. AgWeb.com.
November 2, 2000. Updated 6:07 PM - Nov 1, 2000 EDT
Representatives with U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) report that Cuban leaders
are frustrated with and disappointed in the United States after Congress voted
on sanctions language.
The representatives traveled to Cuba immediately after the Congressional
vote to meet with the Cuban leaders over a five-day period.
"Although the bill's language permits U.S. wheat sales to Cuba, the
other provisions -- limiting travel and financing, and continuing a prohibition
against Cuban exports to this country--do not exactly endear us to our potential
customers," said Alan Tracy, USW president. "The Congress must revisit
the issue and end the outdated embargo, period."
A Clinton Administration spokesperson indicated that the president signed
the bill with reservations.
"Frankly, we're signing an agricultural bill that we have some deep
reservations about. But it's late in the year. We think farmers need the help
that this bill provides ... But that bill is flawed, it's deeply flawed,"
said White House spokesperson Jake Siewert. "There are things in that bill
that are, at worse, missed opportunities or in some cases, a step backwards on
Cuba.
"Even Republicans, who support that bill ... who want to see more
agricultural exports to Cuba, have indicated that this bill is only a start, and
not a particularly good one at that, and they're hoping to fix it in years to
come," Siewert noted.
The bill, which exempts food and medicine from U.S. sanctions, permits the
Cuban government to import wheat. However, Cuban officials have repeatedly said
they will not buy from the U.S. under the provisions of the bill, the USW said.
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